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On the Hill

By Sarah Wheaton November 14, 2006 10:56 amNovember 14, 2006 10:56 am

Power Struggle ’06
Armed with Representative Nancy Pelosi’s endorsement and one of the most credible anti-war positions in his caucus, Representative John P. Murtha is waging an uphill battle against Representative Steny H. Hoyer, the Democrats’ current No. 2, to become majority leader. But the backroom style that made Mr. Murtha a power player could also keep him out of the highest ranks as ethics concerns loom.

Ms. Pelosi has named Representative Michael S. Capuano of Massachusetts to head her transition team.

Senator Trent Lott, who preceded Senator Bill Frist as majority leader before he was forced out after his praise of the late Senator Strom Thurmond drew charges of racial insensitivity, announced Monday evening that he will challenge Senator Lamar Alexander for minority whip.

Waddling to the Finish
In a temporary flex of Democratic muscle before they reach full strength, Democrats prevented the speedy passage of a bill to normalize trade relations with Vietnam, causing embarrassment for Republicans and President Bush. Free trade is likely to become a major issue in the next Congress as more opponents of globalization come into power.

Shailagh Murray looks at other goings-on (and didn’t-happens) during the lame duck session.

The Democrats’ Hill
Despite the more favorable environment for their cause, environmentalists are keeping their hopes for the new Congress conservative due to the slim size of the Democratic majority.

The health insurance industry has all but defined the terms in the debate over universal health insurance with proposals for expanding Medicaid and tax cuts.

Ethics, staff and, perhaps most importantly, office space were topics of discussion at the orientation for new lawmakers yesterday.

When elections are held, candidates that win almost immediately forget about the mandate given them by the masses (the electorate), and are overtaken by the evil forces roaming in the corridors of power. Most of the Congressmen and women forget that, they go to the Capitol Hill to do peoples’ business. And the type of arguments, opposition in debate, and unnecessary discord to serve Americans must stop. They are not in congress for their political parties, but for American citizens.

President Obama drew criticism on Thursday when he said, “we don’t have a strategy yet,” for military action against ISIS in Syria. Lawmakers will weigh in on Mr. Obama’s comments on the Sunday shows.Read more…